Dishwasher appliance and method for operating same

ABSTRACT

Dishwasher appliances and methods are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a chamber and a door, the door having an interior wall and a bottom. The dishwasher appliance further includes a conduit disposed within the door, the conduit defining a passage extending between a first end and a second end, the first end defined in the interior wall for the egress of fluid from the chamber, the second end defined in the door for the egress of fluid from the conduit. The dishwasher appliance further includes a vent for controlling the egress of fluid from the chamber through the first end, the vent received into the door, and a fan disposed within the passage, the fan operable to flow fluid from the chamber into the conduit. The dishwasher appliance further includes a controller in communication with the fan, the controller operable to activate the fan during a wet cycle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for ventilation of dishwasher appliances during operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern dishwashers typically include a wash chamber where e.g., detergent, water, and heat can be applied to clean food or other materials from dishes and other articles being washed. Various cycles may be included as part of the overall cleaning process. For example, a typical, user-selected cleaning option may include a wash cycle and rinse cycle (referred to collectively as a wet cycle), as well as a drying cycle. A pre-wash cycle may also be included as part of the wet cycle, and may be automatic or an option for particularly soiled dishes.

In one or more of these cycles, particularly during the drying cycle, it may be desirable to allow heated fluid—typically steam—to be vented from the wash chamber. Such venting allows e.g., for the removal of moisture from the dishes and helps dissipate heat from the drying cycle. Conversely, it is also desirable to retain fluids and heat during other parts of the cleaning process. For example, during the wet cycle, cleaning can be improved by keeping the wash chamber sealed so as to retain heat energy while a heated mixture of water and detergent is sprayed against the dishes and other articles. Maintaining a closed chamber during the pre-wash and wash cycle can also be necessary in order to prevent fluid from being ejected.

Conventionally, one or more vents have been provided near the top of the front door of the dishwasher to allow for the escape of fluid from the wash chamber. In some cases, active vents are utilized. The flow of fluid through such active vents is commonly controlled through a curtain or other cover that is driven by a motor connected through a drive mechanism. The motor must be electrically powered and activated at appropriate times during the cleaning process. As such, this conventional configuration typically adds expense to the manufacture and maintenance of a dishwashing appliance.

Accordingly, in other cases, passive vents are utilized. The flow of fluid through such passive vents is passively controlled based on the configuration of the vents, such as the sizes of the holes defined in the vent. During the wet cycle, water sheets the holes and prevents fluid flow through the vent. During the drying cycle, fluid is allowed to flow through the vent due to the lack of sheeting.

In some cases, however, fluids, such as liquid or humid air, can escape through the vent during a wet cycle. For example, in the case of a passive vent, during the wet cycle fluid may passively flow through the vent before sheeting occurs. The existence of fluid within the door that has escaped past a vent can in many cases be undesirable. For example, the fluid can interact with electronics in the door, which can cause electronics failure and resulting undesirable consumer reactions.

Accordingly, improved dishwasher appliances and methods for operating dishwasher appliances are desired. For example, dishwasher appliances and methods that can actively reduce or prevent door humidity and condensation during wet cycles would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a chamber for the receipt of articles for cleaning, and a door for selectively opening and closing the dishwasher appliance, the door having an interior wall and a bottom. The dishwasher appliance further includes a conduit disposed within the door, the conduit defining a passage extending between a first end and a second end, the first end defined in the interior wall for the egress of fluid from the chamber, the second end defined in the door for the egress of fluid from the conduit. The dishwasher appliance further includes a vent for controlling the egress of fluid from the chamber through the first end, the vent received into the door, and a fan disposed within the passage, the fan operable to flow fluid from the chamber into the conduit. The dishwasher appliance further includes a controller in communication with the fan, the controller operable to activate the fan during a wet cycle.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a dishwasher appliance is provided. The method includes initiating a wet cycle, and activating a fan disposed within a door of the dishwasher appliance during the wet cycle. The fan is in fluid communication with a chamber of the dishwasher appliance. Upon activation of the fan, fluid from the chamber is flowable from the chamber through a conduit disposed within the door.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a dishwasher appliance is provided. The method includes initiating a wet cycle, and actively flowing fluid from a chamber of the dishwasher appliance through a conduit disposed within a door of the dishwasher appliance during the wet cycle. The method further includes exhausting the fluid from the conduit externally of the dishwasher appliance.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the inside of a door of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of internal components of a portion of a door of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for operating a dishwasher appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for operating a dishwasher appliance in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIG. 2, the dishwasher appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. Chamber 106 is configured for the receipt of articles for cleaning, such as dishes, cups, utensils, etc. The tub 104 includes a front opening (not shown) and a door 120 hinged at or near its bottom 122 for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher appliance 100. Latch 123 may in some embodiments be used to lock and unlock door 120 for access to chamber 106.

Upper and lower guide rails 124, 126 are mounted on tub side walls 128 and accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies 130 and 132. Each of the rack assemblies 130, 132 may be fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up assemblies 130 and 132 are shown in FIG. 2). Each rack 130, 132 is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This is facilitated by rollers 135 and 139, for example, mounted onto racks 130 and 132, respectively. A silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to rack assembly 132 and/or 130 for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the racks 130, 132.

The dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a lower spray-arm assembly 144 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 146 of the wash chamber 106 and above a tub sump portion 142 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly 132. A mid-level spray-arm assembly 148 is located in an upper region of the wash chamber 106 and may be located in close proximity to upper rack 130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 150 may be located above the upper rack 130.

The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150 are fed by a fluid circulation assembly 152 for circulating water and dishwasher fluid in the tub 104. The fluid circulation assembly 152 may include a pump 154 located in a machinery compartment 140 located below the bottom sump portion 142 of the tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Each spray-arm assembly 144, 148 includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 130 and 132. The arrangement of the discharge ports in spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 provides a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray-arm assembly 144 provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray.

The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 137 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

The controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 137 may be located within a control panel area 121 of door 120 as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom 122 of door 120. Typically, the controller 137 includes a user interface panel 136 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 136 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 136 may be in communication with the controller 137 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

In general, dishwasher appliance 100 may utilize a variety of cycles to wash and, optionally, dry articles within chamber 106. For example, a wet cycle is utilized to wash articles. The wet cycle may include a main wash cycle and a rinse cycle, as well as an optional pre-wash cycle. During each such cycle, water or another suitable liquid may be utilized in chamber 106 to interact with and clean articles therein. Such liquid may, for example, be directed into chamber 106 from lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150. The liquid may additionally mix with, for example, detergent or other various additives which are released into the chamber during various sub-cycles of the wet cycle. A drying cycle may be utilized to dry articles after washing. During a drying cycle, for example, a heating element (not shown) may heat the chamber 106 to facilitate drying of the articles and evaporation of liquid within the chamber 106. In generally, no liquid is sprayed or otherwise produced during the drying cycle.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher, and that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, instead of the racks 130, 132 depicted in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 may be of a known configuration that utilizes drawers that pull out from the cabinet and are accessible from the top for loading and unloading of articles. Other configurations may be used as well.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of door 120. Door 120 includes a bottom 122 (which is typically hollow, but may alternatively include a wall) as well as an interior wall 160 and an exterior wall 162. The interior wall 160 and exterior wall 162 define a door interior 164 therebetween. Door 120 additionally includes a left side wall 166, right side wall 168, and top side wall 170, as illustrated. Further, by way of example, door 120 includes a tray 172 for the receipt of dishwashing detergent and a compartment 174 for rinse cycle additives.

In exemplary embodiments, door 120 is formed from an inner door section and an outer door section. The inner door section includes the interior wall 160, while the outer door section includes the exterior wall 162. The inner and outer door sections are fastened together to form the door 120, and to define the interior 164 between the walls 160, 162.

Referring still to FIG. 3, as well as FIG. 4, a vent 180 may be provided and received into the door 120, such as into the interior wall 160, for controlling the egress of fluid from the chamber 106. Vent 180 may be located near top side wall 170 and/or at any suitable location on the door 120. Vent 180 may include one or more apertures 182 defined in vent 180 through which a fluid such as e.g., steam or air may flow to escape from chamber 106. The particularly configuration—including the number and shape—of apertures shown in FIG. 3 is provided by way of example only. Multiple other placements and shapes may be used instead of the apertures 182 illustrated. Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that a variety of other configurations for the arrangement of apertures to release fluid from wash chamber 106 may be provided as well.

In exemplary embodiments, vent 180 is a passive vent. In these embodiments, no active mechanical or electronic mechanisms are utilized to control vent 180 and aperture 182 opening and closing to control the egress of fluid therethrough. Rather, such control is provided passively based, for example, on the size, shape, number and positioning of apertures 182. For example, during the wet cycle, liquid contacting the vent 180 may sheet the vent 180, thus covering the aperture 182 with a sheet of liquid and preventing the egress of fluid therethrough. During the drying cycle, no sheeting occurs and the aperatures 182 are thus not covered, so fluid may egress through apertures 182. In alternative embodiments, vent 180 may be an active vent, and various mechanical and/or electronic mechanisms, as are generally known in the art, may be utilized to control vent 180 and aperture 182 opening and closing to control the egress of fluid therethrough. Such mechanical and/or electronic mechanisms may, for example, be in communication with controller 137, and may actuate based on signals from the controller 137 to selectively prevent or allow egress of fluid through apertures 182.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, a conduit 190 may be disposed within the door 120. Conduit 190 may provide a path for the flow of fluid that passes through vent 180 to be exhausted from the dishwasher appliance 100. Conduit 190 may, for example, define a passage 192 extending between a first end 194 and a second end 196, each of which is an opening for access to the passage 192. The first end 194 may, for example, be defined in the door 120, such as in the interior wall 160 thereof, and may be provided for the egress of fluid from the chamber 106. Vent 180 may generally cover and be received in or on the first end 194, such that fluid that flows through apertures 182 further flows through first end, egressing from chamber 106 into conduit 190. The second end 196 may additionally be defined in the door 120 and provided for the egress of fluid from the conduit 190. Second end 196 may, for example, be defined proximate, such as within the area defining, the bottom 122 of the door 120. Accordingly, fluid may flow through apertures 182 into passage 192 of conduit 190, and from passage 192 through second end 196 to exterior of the dishwasher appliance 100.

In some embodiments, conduit 190 is a separate component from the inner door section and outer door section. Alternatively, conduit 190 may be integral with the inner door section, or the outer door section.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a fan 200 may be disposed in the passage 192 of conduit 190. Fan 200 may be operated to actively flow fluid into and through conduit 190. For example, when fan 200 is not operating, any fluid flow into and through conduit 190 may be only passive fluid flow, encouraged only by environmental factors, operation of components external to conduit 190 and door 120, etc. When fan 200 is operating the fan 200 may draw fluid into the passage 192, such as through first end 194 and a port 202 as discussed below, thus actively flowing fluid into and through the conduit 190.

In some embodiments, as further illustrated in FIG. 4, conduit 190 may further include a port 202 defined therein. The port 202 may provide a second opening for the flow of fluid into the passage 192. For example, as illustrated, port 202 may provide fluid communication between the passage 192 and the interior 164 of the door 120, such that port 202 provide for the egress of fluid form the interior 164. In exemplary embodiments the fan 200 is disposed downstream of the port 202 in the direction of flow of fluid through the passage 192 (from first end 194 towards second end 196), such that fan 200 when operating may additionally actively flow fluid from the interior 164.

When fan 200 is operating in embodiments which include a port 202, the fan 200 generally draws relatively humid fluid, such as humid gas, through first end 194. Fan 200 may additionally draw relatively dry fluid, such as dry gas, from the interior 164. The humid and dry gas may mix within the passage 192, such that the resulting fluid being exhausted through the second end 196 is less humid that the humid air entering the first end 194. This reduces or prevents condensation exterior to the dishwasher appliance.

As discussed, dishwasher appliance 100 includes controller 137. Controller 137 in exemplary embodiments is in communication with the fan 200 (such as through a suitable wireless or wired connection), and thus may be operable to activate (turn on) and deactivate (turn off) the fan 200. In particular, the controller 137 may be operable to activate the fan 200 during the wet cycle. In many cases, in particular when passive vents 180 are utilized, fluid can undesirably enter the conduit 190 during the wet cycle. For example, when passive vents 180 are utilized, fluid can enter the conduit 190 before sheeting occurs. Such fluid in these cases can be liquid and/or humid gas. Activating the fan 200 during the wet cycle can provide a variety of advantages for the dishwasher appliance 100. For example, the fan 200 can actively flow such fluid through the passage 192 and the second end 196, thus drying and dehumidifying the conduit 190. Further, in cases wherein a port 202 is utilized, activating the fan 200 may prevent or reduce fluid from flowing from the passage 192 through port 202 into the interior 164 of the door 120. This reduces or prevents the collection of fluid in the interior 164 and the interaction of such fluid with electronics, etc. in the interior 164.

It should be noted that controller 137 may additionally be operable to activate the fan 200 during the dry cycle, to generally flow fluid into, through and from the conduit 190. Such operation during the dry cycle assists with removing moisture and humidity from the chamber 106 and drying articles within the chamber 106.

In some exemplary embodiments, controller 137 may activate the fan 200 during a wet cycle for a predetermined time period. Such time period of fan 200 operation may provide a predetermined and defined period during which moisture and humidity removal from the conduit 190 may occur. For example, in some embodiments, a predetermined time period may be between approximately 30 seconds and approximately 150 seconds, such as between approximately 60 seconds and approximately 120 seconds, such as between approximately 80 seconds and approximately 100 seconds. Alternatively, and suitable predetermined time period may be utilized.

In some embodiments, controller 137 may activate the fan 200, such as for a predetermined time period, upon initiation of the wet cycle. For example, after a user selects a desired operation of the dishwasher appliance 100, the controller 137 may initiate the wet cycle based on the user's instructions. Upon such initiation, and as a consequence of initiating the wet cycle, the controller 137 may additionally activate the fan 200. Such activation may facilitate active flow through the conduit 190 at the beginning of the wet cycle, such as in the case of a passive vent 180 before sheeting has occurred.

Additionally or alternatively, controller 137 may activate the fan 200, such as for a predetermined time period, upon receiving a signal that the door 120 has been closed. The controller 137 may, for example, be in communication (through a suitable wired or wireless connection) with the door 120, such as with the latch 123 thereof. Actuation of the latch 123 may for example indicate opening and closing of the door. The controller 137 may thus receive signals when the door 120 is opened and when the door 120 is closed. During the wet cycle 137, upon and as a consequence of receiving a signal that the door 120 has been closed (in particular after receiving a signal that the door 120 has been opened), the controller 137 may activate the fan 200. Such activation may facilitate active flow through the conduit 190 at, for example, re-starts of the wet cycle after the wet cycle has been paused, such as in the case of a passive vent 180 before sheeting has occurred after previous sheeting has been broken.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the present disclosure is further directed to methods for operating dishwasher appliances 100. A method may include, for example, the step 400 of initiating a wet cycle. For example, a user may select a desired operation of the dishwasher appliance 100 on user interface panel 136, and controller 137 may initiate the wet cycle based on such instructions.

A method may further include, for example, the step 410 of activating the fan 200 during the wet cycle. The fan 200 may be disposed within the door 120, and may be in fluid communication with the chamber 106, as discussed herein. Upon activation of the fan 200, fluid from the chamber 106 is flowable, such as actively flowable, from the chamber 106 through the conduit 190 disposed in the door 120.

In exemplary embodiments as discussed herein, the fan 200 may be disposed within the conduit 190.

In exemplary embodiments, the fan 200 may be activated for a predetermined time period, as discussed herein. Further, in some embodiments, the activating step 410 may occur as a consequence of the initiating step 400. Additionally or alternatively, a method according to the present disclosure may include the step 420 of receiving a signal during the wet cycle that the door 120 has been closed, as discussed herein. The activating step 410 may thus additionally or alternatively occur as a consequence of the receiving step 420.

A method according to the present disclosure may further, for example, include the step 430 of actively flowing fluid from the chamber 106 through the conduit 190 during the wet cycle. For example, in exemplary embodiments, fan 200 may be operable to actively flow such fluid. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the fluid may be flowed from the chamber 106 past vent 180 to the conduit 190, as discussed herein. A method according to the present disclosure may further, for example, include the step 440 of exhausting the fluid from the conduit 190 externally of the dishwasher appliance 100. For example, in exemplary embodiments, fluid may be exhausted through second end 196 of conduit 190.

In some embodiments, a method according to the present disclosure may further, for example, include the step 450 of mixing within the conduit 190 the fluid from the chamber 106 with fluid from the interior 164 of the door 120. For example, such fluid from the interior 164 may be actively flowed through port 202 into passage 192 due to operation of the fan 200, as discussed herein.

Such methods may advantageously reduce moisture and humidity in the door 120 during the wet cycle, as discussed herein, particularly in embodiments wherein passive vents 180 and ports 202 are utilized.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dishwasher appliance, comprising: a chamber for the receipt of articles for cleaning; a door for selectively opening and closing the dishwasher appliance, the door having an interior wall and a bottom; a conduit disposed within the door, the conduit defining a passage extending between a first end and a second end, the first end defined in the interior wall for the egress of fluid from the chamber, the second end defined in the door for the egress of fluid from the conduit; a vent for controlling the egress of fluid from the chamber through the first end, the vent received into the door; a fan disposed within the passage, the fan operable to flow fluid from the chamber into the conduit; and a controller in communication with the fan, the controller operable to activate the fan during a wet cycle and upon receiving a signal that the door has been closed during the wet cycle after receiving a signal that the door has been opened during the wet cycle, wherein the controller activates the fan for a predetermined time period during the wet cycle upon receiving the signal that the door has been closed during the wet cycle after receiving the signal that the door has been opened during the wet cycle.
 2. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the vent is a passive vent.
 3. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller is further in communication with the door.
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller is operable to activate the fan upon initiation of the wet cycle.
 7. The dishwasher appliance of claim 6, wherein the controller activates the fan for a predetermined time period upon initiation of the wet cycle.
 8. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the second end is defined proximate the bottom.
 9. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein a port is defined in the conduit.
 10. The dishwasher appliance of claim 9, wherein the dishwasher appliance further has an exterior wall, and wherein a door interior is defined between the interior wall and the exterior wall, and wherein the port is defined in the conduit for the egress of fluid front the door interior.
 11. The dishwasher appliance of claim 9, wherein the fan is positioned downstream of the port.
 12. A method for operating a dishwasher appliance, the method comprising: initiating a wet cycle; and receiving a signal during the wet cycle that a door of the dishwasher appliance has been opened; receiving a signal during the wet cycle that the door of the dishwasher appliance has been closed after receiving the signal during the wet cycle that the door of the dishwasher appliance has been opened; activating, as a consequence of receiving the signal during the wet cycle that the door of the dishwasher appliance has been closed, a fan disposed within the door during the wet cycle, the fan in fluid communication with a chamber of the dishwasher appliance, wherein upon activation of the fan, fluid from the chamber is flowable from the chamber through a conduit disposed within the door.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fan is disposed within the conduit.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the fan is activated for a predetermined time period.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the activating step occurs as a consequence of the initiating step.
 17. A method for operating a dishwasher appliance, the method comprising: initiating a wet cycle; receiving a signal during the wet cycle that a door of the dishwasher appliance has been opened; receiving a signal during the wet cycle that the door of the dishwasher appliance has been closed after receiving the signal during the wet cycle that the door of the dishwasher appliance has been opened; actively flowing fluid from a chamber of the dishwasher appliance through a conduit disposed within the door during the wet cycle as a consequence of receiving the signal during the wet cycle that the door of the dishwasher appliance has been closed; and exhausting the fluid from the conduit externally of the dishwasher appliance.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising mixing within the conduit the fluid from the chamber with fluid from an interior of the door.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein a fan is operable to actively flow the fluid from the chamber.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the fluid is flowed from the chamber past a vent to the conduit. 